QPR - 5 players who shaped our season

Article by e-QPR Correspondent Alex Rugman

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So, after a nerve wracking and often frustrating 9 months, QPR are back in the Premier League. But who were the men who got us here? In this article I'll be choosing the 5 players without whom promotion would not have been possible.

I have to confess, rarely did QPR play exceptionally well last season. We ground out results, often by close margins, and got the job done. Highlights include our 5-2 win over Forest, and a 3-0 win over Bournemouth. But there are a few members of the squad who kept the team together and played consistently well throughout the season.

So here are my top 5:

1) Robert Green.

Unused for most of last season, Green has been our undisputed number 1 this year. He played outstandingly all season and was my player of the year. If truth be told he is a little too good for the championship and should walk into any bottom ten Premier League XI. His reputation was very sadly ruined by one incident at the World Cup in 2010; it is so unfair to judge on this one error as so many do - he is a class keeper. Memorable saves include the playoff semi final leg 2 vs Wigan, and pretty much all of the final vs Derby! For anyone looking for further evidence of his undoubted skill, take a look at this save reel the QPR YouTube channel compiled: http://youtu.be/FBAelpuIRVw

2) Clint Hill.

What a season this man has had! Harry Redknapp used him a lot towards the end of the 2012/13 season, and he has been a defensive lynch pin this time around. He started the season strongly, scoring goal in the opening weeks and providing an assist as well. He has gone from strength to strength and has really proved me wrong - I thought pace was essential to be a full back but he has performed outstandingly this season, making many vital interceptions, passing the ball to the wings and providing a few half decent crosses as well. He is epitomised by the assist he provided against Wigan in March. He worked hard to get into the box and received the ball from Carroll before producing a fantastic back heel that Yossi Benayoun converted. It was a great move and Clint was at the centre of it once again.

3) Joey Barton.

This man has been a reformed character this season. I have been hugely impressed by not only his change in attitude but also how much of a leader he has become; he has worn the captain's armband a few times this season and has shown he deserves it. If Hill leaves this summer he would be my first choice captain next year. Not only is he a key member of the squad but he has the Premier League quality to match it. He often tries ambitious long shots and defence splitting passes - yes, they don't always come off but his positivity is to be lauded. He now can really say he is a great role model for younger players at the club, and his consistent industry every game is something that never fails to impress me. He's also a free kick specialist, and has scored some important goals at Loftus Road!

4) Ravel Morrison.

What a player. I've spoken previously about my admiration for him, and will say it again here: he has the potential to be a really world class player. He is volatile, it's true - if he doesn't turn up for a game then he is as good as useless. But like Adel Taarabt, he has the ability to change a game in an instant and lights up the pitch when he is in form. Without him last season, I genuinely do not know if we would have made the playoffs. He provided a vital alternative to the injured Charlie Austin, and his goals for us were almost all class. I hope that Redknapp takes the risk and signs him for next season, as I have faith he can deliver as he so spectacularly did last season.

5) Charlie Austin.

Where to start with this man? He was so influential this season, and I believe that had he not been injured in January we would have had a real go at automatic promotion, and I would guess he would have surpassed the 30 goal mark. And if he stays fit this season I'm confident he will score in excess of 15 goals.

It is easy to simply say that Austin is always in the right place at the right time, but it takes a considerable amount of talent to be in the right place, and a good knowledge of the game to be there at the right time.

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